Aran Sweaters and Cardigans

[Celtic Lass]

I am looking at getting a long white sweater to wear in the winter at church. I came across Aran sweaters on the internet and read up on them. Very intersting stuff. Does anyone know of an authentic seller in Ireland that ships to the US? I'm looking for a sweater that comes down about to my knees.

[zankoku]

Never saw a knee length one. You might check out

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Shop/1Shop2.html

they have links to other Irish gift sites.Some are in the US.

[Celtic Lass]

Thank you, I will look there!

[Maggie]

I am looking at getting a long white sweater to wear in the winter at church. I came across Aran sweaters on the internet and read up on them. Very intersting stuff. Does anyone know of an authentic seller in Ireland that ships to the US? I'm looking for a sweater that comes down about to my knees.

Be very careful.....I have seen goods advertised as "Aran Sweaters" which are clearly not the real thing.

As you have read up on them, you will know that they are never made of synthetic materials, only ever pure wool. They are quite expensive, but good quality.
When we lived in England, I knitted several Aran sweaters for Dave. 
I only use Bainín (pronounced baw-neen) wool from Aran Island sheep.
They were so authentic, when Dave wore one on a visit to Inis Mór, the sheep cried for their lost relatives.
I am not a fast knitter, and can not knit for anyone except family. I'm going to knit one for Thomas Patrick before winter comes. Love in every stitch!
These sweaters last for many years if washed gently by hand and dried flat.

I think you can buy Bainín wool here, they might know where you can get a sweater:
http://www.thewoolleyfarm.com/yarnshoptheirishewe.html

These are good sites:
http://www.blarney.com/catalog/display/index.php?interface=&id=1622

http://www.shopirish.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=search&SEARCH_SPEC=aran&CUSTOM=Aran%20Wool%20Sweaters&websource=google&keyword=GRP_BrandAran&gclid=CKqi2ozw9psCFSUSswodNyyRAA

I was very lucky a few months ago....I was in a thrift store, looking for items of clothing for a play our Irish Club was putting on. It was also just before my trip to Ireland & UK.
I could not believe my eyes when I found a beautiful brand new (with labels) knee-length Aran jacket, natural colour, for $5. The label was Boyne Valley Weavers.
I snapped it up, although in Florida such things are not in demand.
I have not used it, but it will remain in my closet until I get the opportunity.
Unfortunately Boyne Valley Weavers no longer makes sweaters, just upholstery, but you can sometimes buy them on eBay, QVC and Amazon.
http://www0.dealtime.com/xDN-clothing--boyne_valley_weavers

I found these patterns which I think show what you are looking for:




 

[zankoku]

what? no synthetic sheep? LOL

[Maggie]

what? no synthetic sheep? LOL

Absolutely not!

Only genuine, soft, woolly Irish sheep......
who can find their way home without a Border Collie!

[Celtic Lass]

Thank you Maggie. It's late so I will look at those sites tomorrow. And in my search on the internet, I did notice quite a few look alikes that I stayed away from. I did find one sweater that I really like. I'll post the link tomorrow. Yes, those pictures you posted are exactly what i'm looking for.

Wish I could find a sweater for $5. Lucky you! 

[Celtic Lass]

http://www.clanarans.com/asm/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/7/products_id/65?PHPSESSID=ef841f6473cf4fd218dc8f6f6e2a7f0e

That's the link of the one that I really like.

[zankoku]

Nice looking